July 15 deadline approaching for disaster programs

Both traditional crops such as corn, cotton, grain sorghum, soybeans and rice as well as commercial vegetables should be certified.

July 15 is the deadline to certify spring-seeded crops, says Dr. Henry English, director, Small Farm Program, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB).

Both traditional crops such as corn, cotton, grain sorghum, soybeans and rice as well as commercial vegetables should be certified. This includes okra, cucumbers, watermelons, squash, southern peas and sweet potatoes.

Failure to certify makes participation in disaster programs nearly impossible, says English. Many Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs require that all cropland on a farm be certified to earn FSA benefits.

All crops planted by July 15 must be certified by that date, says English.

English reminds producers to notify and file a notice of loss with their local FSA county office within 15 calendar days of damage or loss to NAP crops.